Good Holiday reading. Review on Rachel's Holiday - Marian Keyes

I first came across Marian Keyes while surfing through the web as her books are not easily available in india. There is a very interesting unpublished short story on her website. You can check it out @ https://mariankeyesbooks.com/writing.html. Ever since I read that story I wanted to read her books. I checked out quite a few places including some online stores but unfortunately couldn't get it in india. So I grabbed it the moment I lay eyes on Angels by Marian keyes at the Frankfurt airport. I couldn't keep it down till I had finished it.

~About the Author:

Marian keyes who is Irish by birth. This perfectionist virgo was brought up in Dublin and started her career by working as a waitress in London. When in her thirties after a suicide attempt and rehab she plunged into writing. She started writing in 1993 and her first book Watermelon was published in Ireland in 1995.

~About her writing style :

She has a writing style which is pretty different from anyone I have ever read. You could call it very modern.She basically uses dark humour which actually makes the painful situations funny. Her characters are not glamorous and perfect people . The weakness of the characters gives them a more human touch and you can identify with them.

~About the Story :

Rachel's holiday is a book about woman who is addicted to drugs. Rachel Walsh loves to party and party for her does not go without drugs , alcohol and men. But her life goes haywire when her flatmate gets tired of her antics and tells on her to her family. To top it her boyfriend finds it the perfect time to break up with her. She agrees to her parents wish of joining a rehab centre with the hope that she will get to meet a lot many celebrities and rock stars over there and can have a relaxing vacation with saunas etc. But reality as always is harsh. The place has all kind of therapy and inmates actually have to work for themselves. Rachel finds it a contrasting challenge to make breakfast at early ungodly hours which coincides with the time she used to generally parties till in New york. In the beginning of her treatment she is in denial and looks at addicts with contempt. I guess I should stop now about the story and let the reader find out the rest for themselves.

~My Views :

The book switches between present and past and the authors brilliant use of flashback makes you feel both empathetic and angry about Rachel. Although sometimes you may feel that the narrative is overlong but overall it is an interesting insight into the world of an addict. Also knowing the fact that Keyes herself suffered from addiction, gives a realistic touch to the book. Some of you may not find the book emotional and not funny but my verdict is Overall an enjoyable read. Go for it particularly if you enjoy women's stories.